As a new real estate agent, securing leads can feel overwhelming without established contacts or resources.
But don't worry!
This article provides a complete playbook of proven digital marketing, referral development, and local networking strategies. Follow these steps to start attracting seller leads and serious buyers consistently.
By implementing these techniques, you will:
Capture contact details from interested prospects visiting your website
Build partnerships with lenders and developers that drive exclusive referrals
Purchase cost-efficient internet leads from targeted sources matching your specialties
Host educational seminars positioning your specialized services
Capitalize on buyer demand by spotlighting listings creatively
Successful real estate professionals never stop hustling for leads. Use these building blocks to gain early momentum that snowballs over time.
Let's dive into the blueprint!
Top Takeaway:
New agents can generate real estate leads through networking, social media marketing, and attending local events. Utilizing online lead generation tools and building relationships with potential clients can also help new agents succeed in the competitive market.
Automated Outreach:
rAIya Voice tirelessly calls and nurtures your leads to drive qualified appointments right into your calendar.
Chapter 1: Create Your Digital Real Estate Presence Like a Pro
As a new real estate agent, your online presence is like a digital "For Sale" sign that's up 24/7.
It's the best way to generate leads without breaking a sweat.
But many new agents treat their website and social media like an old, forgotten property listing. Don't be that agent!
Creating a website that wows potential clients is like giving your online curb appeal a major upgrade. Here's how to make it happen:
Build a Website That's a Real Showstopper
Your website is like your digital open house. It's where potential leads come to check you out and see if you're the real deal.
Make sure it loads fast and looks great on phones, tablets, and computers.
Include contact forms so visitors can easily reach out to you.
Give them helpful stuff like market reports, school info, and moving checklists. Show off your past sales and special services with videos and photos.
A website that convinces visitors you can make their home buying or selling journey a breeze will generate more leads on autopilot.
It's like the foundation of a strong house - don't skimp on it!
Create Content That's Better Than Free Cookies at an Open House
These days, people want helpful content they can access anytime, anywhere.
Position yourself as the go-to real estate expert in your area by giving them what they crave.
Share market stats, investment advice, updates on new real estate rules, and local lifestyle tips.
Write blog posts, make videos, or even start a podcast - whatever helps you show off your real estate smarts.
Share your new content everywhere - your website, social media, even on flyers at the local coffee shop.
When you consistently provide value, people will start to trust you and become leads. It's like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that leads right to your door!
Be a Social Media Butterfly (But Strategic, Like a Butterfly with a Plan)
Go where your potential clients are hanging out online.
That means Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now called X), YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. But don't just post the same thing everywhere.
Tailor your content to each platform:
Facebook: Share community updates and new listings
Instagram: Show off the lifestyle your clients dream of
Twitter (X): Retweet insights about the market
YouTube: Give video tours of your properties
Pinterest: Create boards full of home renovation ideas
LinkedIn: Show off your professional skills and knowledge
Post consistently and engage with your followers. Then, guide them back to your website and listings with clear calls-to-action.
If you work this social media strategy like a pro, you'll generate leads around the clock.
Now, let's talk about how to get even more leads through referrals and targeted marketing...
Chapter 2: Jumpstart Your Business with Targeted Real Estate Leads
As a new agent, it can feel like you're a tiny fish in a big pond full of experienced sharks. How do you stand out and get clients when you're just starting out?
Here's the good news - you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
In addition to organically generating leads, you can give your business a boost by buying high-quality leads that are a perfect match for your niche or location.
And when it comes to buying leads, Ylopo is like the fairy godmother of real estate marketing...
Ylopo: Your Secret Weapon for Real Estate Marketing Magic
Ylopo is like a marketing genie in a bottle for new agents. It goes way beyond basic websites and email campaigns. We're talking next-level lead generation:
Dynamic Social Ads - It's like waving a magic wand. Just upload a listing and watch as targeted ads start reaching the perfect potential buyers on Facebook and Instagram.
PPC Keyword Technology - Bidding on the right keywords is like playing a high-stakes game of poker. Ylopo helps you hold the winning hand by finding the keywords that will make your ad budget pay off big time.
Lightning-Fast IDX Websites - In today's world, people have the attention span of a goldfish. Ylopo's websites load so fast, your visitors will stick around and turn into leads.
But wait, there's more! Let me introduce you to rAIya, your new AI-powered bestie.
Meet rAIya - Your Tireless Lead Conversion Companion
rAIya is like having a personal assistant who never sleeps, never takes a day off, and always has your back.
She's a key part of Ylopo's platform, providing AI-powered lead engagement to nurture and qualify leads 24/7 via SMS and voice calls. Every lead you get is like a new friend for rAIya.
Here's what rAIya can do:
Automated Lead Qualification - Stop wasting time on tire-kickers. rAIya asks the right questions to separate the serious buyers and sellers from the rest.
Personalized Communication - Leads will feel like they're talking to a real friend. rAIya tailors her messaging based on each lead's responses and preferences.
Seamless Hand-Offs - When a lead is ready to buy or sell, rAIya hands them off to you like a perfectly wrapped present, complete with all the details you need.
With rAIya handling lead nurturing and engagement, you can focus on closing deals and growing your business without burning out.
It's like having a secret weapon in your back pocket - a surefire way to kickstart your real estate career and convert more leads than you ever thought possible as a new agent!
Other Ways to Get Leads That Are a Perfect Fit
There are other great places to find high-quality real estate leads that are a match made in heaven for your business:
Zillow, Real Geeks, and Realtor.com offer premium lead generation services (each with their own unique benefits and downsides).
Their targeting is often so precise, it's like they read your mind and know exactly what you're looking for.
If you're a new agent who needs more leads in your pipeline, there’s no doubt that buying leads in bulk from these providers can be like hitting the fast-forward button on your deal velocity.
{Of course, your mileage with these tools may vary as grow in the industry…)
Start by focusing on leads that perfectly match your skills and services, like a puzzle piece fitting into place. As you gain more experience, you can branch out and tackle other niches like a pro!
Meet rAIya:
The pioneering 24/7 AI real estate assistant that actively converts leads 365 days a year.
Chapter 3: Network Locally
While digital tools and paid leads are valuable strategies for generating new business, in-person networking still reigns supreme when it comes to building relationships with potential referral partners and clients.
Attend industry events, join local business associations, and leverage your personal connections to grow your sphere of influence.
It's a simple but effective way to get your name out there and start valuable conversations:
Attend Industry Networking Events
Real estate industry gatherings like association mixers and broker open houses are the perfect opportunity to meet seasoned agents who can eventually send leads your way.
Think of it as a fortune 500 company's networking event, but for the real estate world!
Come prepared with professional marketing materials to introduce yourself. Collect business cards for follow up later.
As a new agent, emphasize specializations like your experience with the latest tech tools, creative financing solutions, renovation consulting, etc. to stand out from the competition.
With a unique value proposition, other agents will start associating you with specialty leads.
Get to Know Loan Officers and Lenders
Mortgage lenders and loan officers (LOs) represent crucial referral partners.
Since they interface early on with both buyers (for pre-approval) and sellers (for listing prep), LOs can feed you plenty of vetted leads. It's like having a direct line to potential clients!
Introduce yourself to local bank and lending firm players.
Provide LOs with co-branded mortgage calculators, moving checklists or other value-add materials they can share with their clients.
Nurture these relationships by regularly asking LOs about trends they see in the market.
When an LO sends you a lead, deliver exceptional service. Follow up quickly, answer all financing questions, and close on time. Reliable performance leads to many more referrals down the road.
Connect via Local Associations
Beyond real estate groups, associations like chambers of commerce, business networking clubs, and community leadership bodies provide exposure to partners in other industries.
They can become valuable sources of referral leads over time.
Look for associations focused on female executives, minority business owners, young entrepreneurs, etc.
Connect with underrepresented demographics more likely to work with up-and-coming agents like yourself.
Carry a large inventory of business cards, be helpful to other members, and sponsor association events when you can.
Position your agent brand as a go-to resource in the local community. Before you know it, your phone will be ringing off the hook with referrals!
Leverage Friends, Family, Previous Contacts
Don't underestimate personal connections as an avenue to generate real estate leads, especially when first starting out.
Even if someone isn't immediately looking to buy or sell, stay top of mind by sending market updates or listing alerts.
You'll be the first call they make when the need arises.
Make sure your friends, family, past colleagues and more all know you've become a real estate agent.
Here's a pro tip: Ask if they can connect you with 2-3 acquaintances that might benefit from your services. Simple referrals like this can compound fast.Chapter 4: Deploy Direct Mail
While increasingly digital, real estate remains largely local. In a noisy online world, sending targeted mailers continues proving an effective outreach method.
Postcards and letters demonstrating intimate area knowledge while providing helpful relocation tips position your services strongly with potential leads.
Target homeowners in specific neighborhoods most likely to move soon (growing families, empty nesters, job relocations, etc.). Send networking letters to local partners like contractors and interior designers too.
Mail piece design should highlight your distinct value proposition as an agent while feeling personalized.
Digital print services like VistaPrint, PsPrint, GotPrint and more help create professional materials affordably for new agents.
While response rates vary based on targeting accuracy, expect between 2-10% of prospects to convert into leads from an average campaign.
Struggling agents:
End the vicious cycle of wasted time and money on dead-end leads.
Chapter 5: Cultivate Referral Partners Strategically
Referral partnerships prove the best long-term lead sources for agents thanks to built-in trust factors.
Rather than chasing referrals randomly, analyze statistics identifying which business verticals reliably convert most often. Then focus partnership building on those key categories:
Mortgage Professionals - Preapproved borrowers get referred early in home buying journey
Home Service Companies - Renovating customers already looking to sell existing properties
Relocation Firms - Company-referred transferees must purchase quickly
Property Managers - Rental owners deciding to sell investment assets
Builders & Developers - New construction sellers handle heavy lead volume
Approach professionals in these sectors with co-branded materials touting your real estate specializations and responsive service capabilities.
Make originating referrals simple using online intake forms. And compensate partners reasonably per lead converted.
With consistent relationship nurturing and flawless handling of every referral lead, volume multiplies over time.
Choose partners diligently, then wow them!
Now let's incorporate some traditional lead generation techniques locally...
Chapter 6: Host Educational Seminars Strategically
Hosting local real estate seminars still works wonders for capturing leads, especially when focused on topics matching specific home buyer and seller needs in your area.
Seminars position your services uniquely while allowing high-value face-time with registrants.
Try these two seminar formats perfect for new agents to deploy locally:
First-Time Home Buyer Workshops
Many prospective purchasers feel overwhelmed navigating the home-buying journey's twists and turns solo.
Ease their anxiety by conducting free workshops covering every key step from financing to negotiations.
Provide checklists they can reference later during decision points. Explain exactly how you help demystify and simplify things as their agent.
Promote workshops through local partners, direct mailers, community bulletins, etc. Follow up with all registrants to schedule one-on-one strategy consultations.
This pitch converts most into clients.
Moving Prep Crash Courses
Host seminars providing soon-to-move owners with organization tips, top contractor referrals, lifestyle recommendations and other tactical advice to ease relocation stress.
The value-focused guidance establishes your capabilities in facilitating smooth moves.
Ensure every attendee leaves with your contact info and moving checklist for follow up when listing contracts get signed.
Promote these workshops correctly, and expect strong lead conversion from sellers 3-6 months post-seminar.
Ylopo Webinars:
Unlock a vault of real-world, battle-tested strategies from top realtors nationwide.
Chapter 7: Capitalize on Online Listings
From catching buyers browsing online to sourcing seller leads from expired/FSBO listings, home search sites represent lead goldmines smart agents tap heavily.
Here's how to optimize property portal advertising as a lead magnet:
Spotlight Your Best Listings
Feature attractive photos and intriguing descriptions emphasizing distinguishing traits, lifestyle conveniences, enticing amenities, local attractions, upgrades, and recent improvements.
Add video walkthroughs guiding visitors through the listing as if personally touring alongside you. Provide exclusive neighborhood guides, school reports, city overviews, and relocation tips.
The more compelling supporting materials making a listing feel special, the more high-quality leads it will generate.
Capitalizing on Google Business Profile Features
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a great place showcase listings in engaging, heartfelt ways that attract leads craving care and connection.
Leverage GBP features to convey authentic understanding of buyers' deepest needs:
Showcase content highlighting each home's unique personality
Post regular updates demonstrating your local knowledge and familiarity with the property
Encourage reviews
Offer interactive tools inviting closer bonds
Infusing these GBP features with care gives listings a human touch, drawing in leads wanting to be understood and potentially accelerating emotional connections.
Advertise with Purpose
Study portal display rules and audience targeting options carefully.
Craft adjacencies, spotlight ads, featured listings, and premium placement campaigns reaching your perfect leads where they naturally congregate online.
Test promotion combinations systematically to determine optimal configurations for converting visitors, then scale those placements across relevant inventory.
Engage Visitors Directly
Install lead capture forms and chatbots allowing interested prospects to easily contact you for more info, schedule showings, submit offers, etc. right from the listing itself.
Program automated sequences to respond instantly when inquiries come in, establishing real-time credibility. Then follow up personally via callers' preferred contact methods.
Research Expired Listings
Run regular searches for expired and withdrawn listings in surrounding neighborhoods. Here's a quick step-by-step:
Identify FSBOs through sites like Zillow.
Contact past sellers directly with market updates and buyer demand reports.
Build rapport sharing insights explaining why listings expired previously, coupled with solutions you now provide to enhance appeal.
Circle back pitching updated listing contracts.
When old listings reactivate with you as the agent, those choked pipelines start flowing new buyer leads quick.
Assist Distressed Sellers
Search public record foreclosure and pre-foreclosure filings indicating motivated/distressed sellers.
Introduce fair cash offer investors from your buyer network ready to purchase properties as-is, saving distressed owners further financial and emotional headaches. Handle sales details swiftly.
In return, secure future listing agreements on sellers' next homes, giving them a fresh start.
Chapter 8: Go Door-Knocking
While increasingly rare today, door-knocking delivers exceptional lead results when performed strategically.
Here are tips for running an effective door-knocking campaign as a new real estate agent:
Pick Targeted Blocks
Success begins by selecting territory purposefully. Analyze MLS sales activity, permits, mortality rates, and owner histories to identify specific blocks prime for new listings.
Talk to locals about buzzworthy areas drawing interest too. Knock streets experience confirms uptake, expanding outward.
Through rigorous area targeting, you pinpoint receptive homeowners more likely to sell.
Lead With Value, Not Sales
Door-knocking fails when coming across overly promotional. Lead by introducing yourself as the neighborhood's real estate representative.
Provide recent comps and market insights to start meaningful conversations. Ask about planned upgrades or observed buyer demand. Share what pricing upticks similar renovations yielded nearby.
Present credible statistics and trends demonstrating intimate local command first. Listing pitches come later once value is established.
Follow Up Consistently
Collect contact info and notes on every homeowner engagement for focused follow-up. Send neighborhood updates, financing articles, contractor referrals, and other helpful resources regularly.
Nurture connections demonstrating reliable guidance. Check in on major milestones referenced, like upcoming college tuition payments or retirement plans. Precision timing converts more leads.
Offer Free Evaluations
Closing each door knock with a free, no-obligation home valuation offer gives homeowners concrete reason to keep your contact top of mind when considering selling down the road.
Provide a checklist of items to prepare in advance for the most accurate appraisal, like utility bills, inspection reports, renovation receipts, etc. This gets them invested in reconnecting.
Follow up systematically to schedule evaluations, which convert into listing agreements over 50% of the time when performed thoroughly.
Bring a Colleague Along
Having another agent accompany door-knocking campaigns accelerates route completion while allowing both partners to connect various specialties with encountered leads.
Take different streets splitting territory. Discuss insights learned afterward to coordinate precise follow-up messages. Over time, develop extensive referral systems between agents maximizing lead capture.
Automate Scheduling
Door knocking might be considered old-fashioned, but you don't need to do it the old-fashioned way.
Apps like ReboGateway built specifically for real estate door knocking optimize routing logistics and post-knock follow-ups using automation.
Smart schedulers sequence multi-agent canvassing teams spreading coverage efficiently. Custom scoring models identify the most promising leads for prioritized nurturing.
And CRM integrations enable one-click logging of all prospect details secured in the field.
Embrace technology simplifying execution where possible to multiply results from your door-to-door efforts.
Check out our detailed guide on modern door-knocking for more tips!
MaverickRE:
The data-driven real estate platform that skyrockets your business through predictability, efficiency and control.
Chapter 9: Provide Exceptional Service
Providing such stellar service that your clients happily refer everyone they know comprises the foundation of long-term lead generation.
But if gaining clients as a new agent still proves difficult initially, make every opportunity count by delivering absolutely exceptional service.
Here's how to best support the leads you do secure:
Respond Instantly
Set alarms ensuring you react within 5 minutes to form inquiries, texts and calls.
Customers demand real-time convenience. Fostering a reputation for promptness earns trust quickly with impatient prospects.
Meet At Their Convenience
Drive to clients. Accommodate 6 p.m. home tours and weekend discussions. Bring contract paperwork to signings whether downtown offices or suburban homes.
Making their experience easier demonstrates customer commitment. Juggling your schedule builds loyalty.
Provide Helpful Resources
Send neighborhood guides, city overviews, school reports, moving checklists and other useful content relevant to each lead's situation during initial outreach.
Useful info provided upfront establishes your credibility as a knowledgeable agent invested in their priorities from the start.
Communicate Systematically
Follow structured sequences ensuring a steady stream of value-focused touchpoints with leads in various mediums.
Start with thoughtful intro emails recapping key discussion details from your first meeting. Follow up with texts on targeted articles meeting their needs.
Call occasionally to check on progress or share an insightful observation that helps their cause. Track everything in your CRM.
(OR automate the entire process with rAIya for an easier time… 😉)
Combining channels sustains mindshare while positioning you as the proactive thought leader guiding their journey.
Address Questions Quickly
Whether inquiries come by portal message, email, text or carrier pigeon, drop everything to answer thoroughly and accurately regardless of day, time or location.
Leads will test response rates. Exceeding expectations builds trust.
Provide Status Updates
Contact clients proactively the moment you have any meaningful progress updates related to deals. Don't wait for them to inquire first.
Saving buyers from wondering impatiently whether their offer was accepted or if appraisal values cleared feels amazing. Be their rock through uncertain deal milestones.
Handle Paperwork Flawlessly
Thoroughly explain all contracts, disclosures and clauses in common language upfront so no surprises disrupt progress later.
Meticulously file all completed documents. Never lose materials. Always provide copies as needed. Signing processes only frustrate when handled sloppily.
Follow Up Until Closed
Even post sale, nurture relationships by providing tenant referrals, contractor contacts, neighborhood updates and more to past clients.
Check in annually at minimum. Send holiday cards.
Demonstrating long-term helpfulness earns enduring referrals.
Capture Reviews
Ask satisfied home buyers and sellers if they could kindly leave an online review describing their experience working with you.
Provide links and instructions making the process fast and easy.
Positive public testimonials establish immense credibility with other potential leads researching your services online.
Get Referrals
Finally, once a customer's sale completes, have a frank discussion about referrals.
Be clear that their endorsement gives the best chance for others in their network to enjoy similarly exceptional real estate support.
Provide introduction emails, referral cards with quick response codes and other tools to facilitate sharing your contact info easily when inevitable conversations about buying/selling arise socially.
While referrals should happen organically thanks to standout service, don't be shy about directly requesting clients spread the word either.
By implementing even half of the strategies covered across a few lead generation categories here, new real estate agents position themselves light-years ahead of counterparts still struggling to secure leads haphazardly each month.Stay disciplined following the blueprint.
As your expertise, content library, referral network and reviews grow over time, attracting new leads accelerates exponentially thanks to compounding efforts.
Soon, you'll need additional agents helping handle the lead volume!
But why just work harder, and not smarter? Ylopo’s lead generation and nurturing tools can take your productivity and ROI to the next level with the power of AI.
Unlock Limitless Leads with Ylopo
As pioneers leading the future of real estate technology with over 50 years of combined expertise, we've packed our platform with cutting-edge tools allowing agents to instantly capture and convert clients unlike ever before.
From lightning-fast IDX websites, AI-powered 24/7 lead engagement, automated social marketing, and more, Ylopo provides the ultimate all-in-one lead generation ecosystem making previously unimaginable growth finally possible.
What are you waiting for?
Click below to book a demo and witness firsthand how our magic elevates your real estate business to new heights with nonstop leads!
About the Author
Aaron “Kiwi” Franklin
Head of Growth
Aaron "Kiwi" Franklin is the Head of Growth at Ylopo and an innovative technologist and serial entrepreneur who has over 25 years of experience creating digital solutions for major brands and pioneering companies at the intersection of technology and real estate. His depth of expertise stems from leading development of the first website for Apple to founding a global community of over 1,000 elite athletes. Connect with me